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Friedman warns in Schwerin: Vote on Germany’s democracy is approaching!”
Michel Friedman called for more commitment to democracy on the occasion of the awarding of the Johannes Stelling Prize in Schwerin.
Friedman warns in Schwerin: Vote on Germany’s democracy is approaching!”
The ceremonial awarding of the 20th Johannes Stelling Prize took place in Schwerin on October 28, 2025. In his speech, Michel Friedman, prominent journalist and lawyer, urged those present to stand up for democracy. “In the next four to eight years it will be decided whether Germany remains a democracy,” warned the keynote speaker and at the same time criticized the “undercomplex culture of debate” in Germany. According to Friedman, many people tend to avoid conflict, which is a dangerous development for society's culture of discussion. “Disagreements should be addressed respectfully and not ignored,” he added, while emphasizing the need to respect the informed decisions of all voters. n-tv reports.
The award, which was given to Silvio Witt this year, honors people who are committed to social cohesion. Witt, the former mayor of Neubrandenburg, received the prize for his courageous commitment to a colorful and tolerant Neubrandenburg, especially after a dispute over the hoisting of the rainbow flag in May 2025. The Johannes Stelling Prize, which commemorates the SPD politician Johannes Stelling, who was murdered in 1933, is endowed with 3,000 euros and is awarded by the SPD parliamentary group MV , as the SPD parliamentary group reports.
Honorary awards for commitment
In addition, three honorary prizes were awarded this year, each worth 500 euros. These awards went to the International Football Club Rostock, the Schwerin City Student Council and the committed citizens Eckart Hübner and Bernd Kleist. “We would like to honor people who actively work against xenophobia and extremism,” said Julian Barlen, chairman of the SPD parliamentary group, about the significance of the award ceremony.
The social confrontation with racism and protection against discrimination are central topics that Friedman also addressed. He emphasized that awareness of racism has grown in Germany and that struggles for emancipation by those affected have brought about important changes. The demand for a critical view of racism, protection against racist hate crimes and the question of everyday discrimination were presented as urgent challenges that currently affect society. The IDZ highlights in its publications that social cohesion and racism are closely linked and represent a challenge that must be overcome.
Overall, the awarding of the Johannes Stelling Prize was a clear appeal to society: everyone is called upon to actively work to preserve and defend our democratic values. “It’s up to us to send the right signals,” said Friedman.